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Steroids and Pregnancy Side Effects

The intake of steroids effect on men and women causes infertility problems.

Whether it is the prescribed or the non prescribed variety hardly makes a difference in the side effects. The masculinity of men is especially affected by the use of steroids. Lack of libido, erectile dysfunction, impotency etc is some of the effects that it causes. Anabolic steroids tend to critically reduce the production of sperm. Depending on the amount of steroids being ingested into the body, the impact on the body can vary from mild to severe and may lead to drastic changes.

However a number of men generally do not appreciate the fact that use of steroids reduces fertility. The need to look good or perform well in the athletic arena often clouds judgement. Till they choose to start a family, their habits begin to haunt them.

Even women who administer steroids are at the risk of infertility. It is important for them to carefully manage and consult with a physician in order to avoid the period from pregnancy problems and other potential birth defects. In some women steroids can have a long lasting effect and may cause irregular menstruation and hamper the ability to conceive. Apart from this there are other side effects that the use of steroids may induce. Increased sexual desire and hypertrophy of clitoris etc are some of the side effects that may result in women.

Like men, women also produce testosterone but the amount produced is lesser than that produced by men. Ingesting steroids leads to the increase of testosterone production which may most likely affect the hypothalamic pituitary-gonadal axis. As a result of which follicle formation, ovulation and irregular menstruation may occur. These changes may be more pronounced in younger women. Researchers have found out that those patients who use steroids for medical reasons and those who use it for personal gains experience the same side effects.

Pregnant women who use anabolic steroids may develop pseudohermaphroditism i.e. the growth retardation of fetus. Though there has been not much research on the particular issue however it is likely that the severity of the condition depend on the duration and the dosage of the drug.

There are also additional side effects such as acne, hair loss, withdrawal of the frontal hair line, male pattern baldness, lowering of the voice, increased facial hair growth, and breast atrophy. Some women may even develop masculine facial traits, coarse skin and male muscularity as well.

Corticosteroid administration may also induce negative and fetal side effects.

Multiple courses of corticosteroids may increase the chances of the mother to develop infections and a higher incidence of endometritis and chorionamnionitis.

This steroid in particular can reduce the fetal body and affect the breathing movements. It can also reduce the fetal heart rate variation. Thus multiple courses of steroids are associated with an increased risk of early-onset of neonatal sepsis.